4 free agents who could give the Cubs everything they're missing heading into 2027

Things are expected to happen pretty fast in November, considering the looming lockout on December 2, and with the Chicago Cubs having needs across their entire pitching staff, it's say that Jed Hoyer will be acting with urgency.

Pitching is going to be the focus for the Cubs as soon as the offseason is over. Whether that is bringing back pitchers they already had on their roster last offseason, or chasing a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's a safe assumption to say that a bulk of the moves the Cubs make this winter will be on the pitching side of the roster.

Here are the free agents the Cubs need to have on their radar

That is why, taking a look at the free agents the Cubs should pursue this offseason, pitching is certainly the trend.

Sonny Gray

The operating assumption is that Tarik Skubal either will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers next season, or sign a contract so hefty that it won't be with the Cubs. That is why Sonny Gray should be at the top of the wish list for the Cubs this offseason. He turns 37 next month, and likely would be seeking a short-term deal as he seeks a World Series title.

There was a 5% dip in his strikeout rate this season with the Red Sox, but he posted a 2.72 ERA with a groundball rate of 46%. Seeking pitchers who keep the ball on the ground will be a focus for the Cubs this season, and Gray is among the best options available.

David Peterson

The best trade the Cubs made last season was adding David Peterson. Peterson is a natural fit for the Cubs, considering he keeps the ball on the ground. Lost in how the Cubs stumbled in September is how excellent Peterson was over his last four starts of the regular season. He posted an ERA of 1.27 with a groundball rate over 52%.

Given the success that Peterson had in Chicago, he should have a decent amount of free agent, but this appears to be a fit that just too good to pass up for each side.

Adrian Morejon

Adrian Morejon is everything the Cubs need in the bullpen, and along those lines, everything Jed Hoyer has refused to pay for in recent years. A fastball approaching triple digits, striking out over 30% of the hitters he faced last year, Morejon would be the legitimate answer at the backend of the bullpen that the Cubs haven't had for quite some time.

Emilio Pagán

The Cubs had a brief interest in Emilio Pagán, and assuming he opts out of his deal with the Cincinnati Reds, it would seem likely that the interest is renewed this offseason. His fastball sits in the middle 90s, and his strikeout rate has been above 25% in each of the last three years. Assuming the goal is to add swing-and-miss to the bullpen, Pagán would be an easy way for the Cubs to check that box.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow